Environmental Group

The club encourages members to garden organically and to strengthen the harmony among plants, earth, animals, and people. The Environmental Group promotes educational programs that center on environmental stewardship and conservation.  

Projects List for 2025-2026: Martha Franck Fragrance Garden new pollinator bed, community science trial of natives vs. nativars, Garden Journaling, Margaret Reid Native Wildflower Garden volunteering, RGC Plant Sale support, Getting our gardens certified for Wildlife and Native Plants.

Programs for this year - 2026-27

Details available at the meetings and in the newsletter.

Oct 26, Mon 1-3, “Behind the Scenes: JCRA Seed Collection”. Learn how the JC Raulston Arboretum seed collection program works, meet the volunteers involved, see behind-the-scenes processing and storage, try cleaning seed, and take home one or two packets of surplus seed. JCRA McSwain Education Center.

Nov 16, Mon, Field Trip: Beech Bluff County Park (time TBA), 3321 NC 42 Hwy., Willow Spring, NC. Explore the park’s natural areas, conservation work, demonstration gardens, food forest and environmental education features.

Late January – Winter Field Trip
To be announced

February 22, Mon 1–3 p.m. – Water Quality. Speaker from City of Raleigh on local water quality, watersheds, stormwater, and practical ways gardeners and homeowners can help protect water resources. JCRA Ruby McSwain Education Center.

March 22, Mon 1–3 p.m. – Victorian Language of Flowers. Speaker will explore floral symbolism, botanical history, and the ways flowers were used to communicate meaning, paired with a simple botanical art activity. JCRA Ruby McSwain Education Center.

May 24, Mon 1–3 p.m. – What is Citizen Science and How Can You Participate? Learn how everyday people can contribute to scientific research by observing and recording the natural world. Explore citizen science projects that gardeners can participate in and try a hands-on activity at the Arboretum. JCRA Ruby McSwain Education Center.

June 7, Mon 1–3 p.m. – Plant Bingo + Botanical Mocktails. Join us for a fun end of year social time. JCRA Ruby McSwain Education Center.

Previous Environmental
Group Activities

Previous activities of the Environmental Group have included visits to nature preserves featuring native plants, community gardens, decorating bird houses for the Raulston Blooms! competition, and hearing about Raleigh plans for conservation. We usually finish each year with a plant exchange and tea.

From The Season: Jeff Beane’s Guide to Natural North Carolina

Sept 19, 2026: BugFest, NC State Museum of Natural Sciences annual expo. Happy 30th BugFest! Three decades of creepy, crawly, fluttering fun come together for the Museum’s biggest celebration yet. This year’s theme, “Hoppers,” spotlights treehoppers, planthoppers and leafhoppers. Explore more than 100 exhibits, crafts, games and activities celebrating the world of arthropods. Ask entomologists and other scientists about all things bugs. Satisfy your curiosity and appetite with buggy culinary creations at Café Insecta. Enjoy science talks and live performances throughout the day. FREE and for all ages.

Sept 26, 2026: National Public Lands Day! Visit your public lands for a hike. NC is favored with many: federal national wildlife refuges, national forests, national seashores, state public game lands, state parks, state forests, and local parks and greenways.